Mother, Mae I?

The recent success of Mae is proof-positive that nice guys don't have to finish last. In fact, they can get the girl and manage to open for Weezer. Not bad for a quintet of good ol' boys from Norfolk, Virginia, who are currently preaching the gospel of spiritual piano rock à la their sophomore album, The Everglow. Filled with fist-pumping anthems ("Someone Else's Arms") and tender, hand-me-the-Kleenex ballads ("The Ocean"), The Everglow is cavity-sweet ear candy. Besides having the Rivers Cuomo stamp of approval, Mae has also logged miles with Simple Plan, Brand New, and Something Corporate, and although Mae — an abbreviation for Multisensory Aesthetic Experience — is often labeled as Christian rock, a better term would be emo with a conscience. After all, moral fiber is totally underappreciated these days.

Mae performs with the Spill Canvas and Inkwell on Sunday, August 6, at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $13 to $15. Call 954-564-1074, or visit www.cultureroom.net.